The wisdom of women: Whose words inspire you?

By Lauren Said-Moorhouse, for CNN

Updated 1653 GMT (0053 HKT) February 18, 2013

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Marissa Mayer, Yahoo CEO – In the run-up to International Women's Day, we want you to share your favourite quotes from women who've inspired you. To help you on your way, here's a selection from some of the amazing ladies who've appeared on CNN's Leading Women in the past year.

From Yahoo CEO, Marissa Mayer: "If you can find something that you're really passionate about, whether you're a man or a woman comes a lot less into play. Passion is a gender-neutralizing force."

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Cherie Blair, barrister – "Don't be discouraged if there aren't enough role models paving the way for you. Imagine the future as you want it to be and you will succeed."

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Oprah Winfrey, entrepreneur and TV host – "Do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire. This is your moment. Own it."

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Melinda Gates, philanthropist – "Make sure you continue to trust what you know about yourself and stay true to what you believe in."

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Christiane Amanpour, CNN correspondent – "Never think you can't do anything because you're a woman, everything is open to you as a girl. The future is yours."

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Fabiola Gianotti, CERN experimental physicist – "Always find the time to do something for other people. Indeed, there is nothing more rewarding than making someone else happy."

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Women of wisdom – American comedian Phyllis Diller on her wishes for the future.

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Victoria Azarenka, professional tennis player – "Follow your dreams, always be yourself, never be afraid to show the real you and have fun; Always live in the present."

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Story highlights

International Women's Day is on March 8, 2013

An annual celebration of women's political, economic and social accomplishment

Every March 8th, International Women's Day honors the achievements of women past and present, while remembering that equality is still a work in progress.

So, in the lead-up to this year's event, we're asking our readers to share their favorite quotes from celebrated women of the world.

It could be a motto on love, a tip for success, a proverb on happiness or a witty observation about life. Just share the words that have inspired you along the way and it could be featured -- along with your name -- as part our special coverage.

Lost for inspiration? Check out some of these quotes from a few of the amazing women who've appeared on CNN's Leading Women over the last year.

"If you can find something that you're really passionate about, whether you're a man or a woman comes a lot less into play. Passion is a gender-neutralizing force." Yahoo CEO, Marissa Mayer.

"Make sure you continue to trust what you know about yourself and stay true to what you believe in." Melinda Gates, businesswoman and philanthropist.

"You know you're old if they have discontinued your blood type. Someone compliments you on your alligator shoes, and you're barefoot," late comedian Phyllis Diller.

"Always find the time to do something for other people. Indeed, there is nothing more rewarding than making someone else happy." Fabiola Gianotti, Physicist, CERN.

"Never think you can't do anything because you're a woman, everything is open to you as a girl. The future is yours." Our very own Christiane Amanpour.

So, who inspires you? Leave your favorite quote in the comment section below or via Twitter using the hashtag #wisdomofwomen.